The light was still faint in the old church, and at first the good lady
could not see very plainly. When she did, however, she beheld a sight
which petrified her. As she and her party hurried up one aisle, she
perceived Mrs. Bell and her party rushing up the other. There was not a
moment to lose. It is disgraceful to have to relate it, but there was
almost a scuffle in the church. In short, the two generals met opposite
the front pews. There was a scramble for seats. The Beatricites and the
Hartites got mixed up in the most confusing manner, and finally Mrs.
Butler and Mrs. Bell found themselves side by side and crushed very
close together in a small space.

Some awful hours followed. Mrs. Butler deliberately placed her back to
Mrs. Bell. Mrs. Bell talked at Mrs. Butler in a loud whisper to a
neighbor at the other side. Poor Miss Peters fanned herself violently.
Mrs. Morris's breathing became so oppressed that it was audible; and in
short, all these good ladies who had got up hours before their rightful
time were as uncomfortable and cross as they well could be. But the
longest time passes at last. From six to seven went by, from seven to
eight, from eight again to nine. The waiting was awful. By degrees,
without quite knowing it, Mrs. Bell was forced to lean against Mrs.
Butler for support. By half-past nine she ventured to say to her
neighbor:

"This waiting is intolerable."

"Vile," snapped Mrs. Butler, in response.

By ten o'clock the opposing generals were sharing the same footstool. By
a quarter-past ten they were both nodding.

It was about that hour that Hunt in his position as verger once more
appeared. The church doors were opened to the community at large, the
bells began to ring out a merry and bridal peal, and the inhabitants of
the town, the rich and poor alike, filed into the church.

Mrs. Butler was right. Long before eleven o'clock the building was
packed. Mrs. Bell was also right. She communicated this fact to Mrs.
Butler, who nodded in response. Both ladies chuckled over their
individual sagacity.

All the side aisles of the church began to fill. It was really an
imposing spectacle. The weary inmates of the front pews felt they were
reaping their rewards.

At a quarter to eleven some of the bridal guests appeared on the scene.
Those who had been especially invited by the Bertram family were
magnificently attired, and occupied one or two seats reserved for them.

Then the bride's-maids cam